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I am going to wire my shop and want ot run #2 copper to a 100amp breaker panel. I really do not have the space in the 200 amp panel in the house, my question - is there a way to pull this wire off the service entrance straight to the shop, and does that require another meter base or what?

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If you want to get additional service for your shop, you'll have to contact your electric supplier. – Tester101♦ Jul 2 '12 at 12:04
If you contact your utility, they may be able to install a double lug meter socket. This would allow you to feed both your house, and shop with a single meter. This work can only be completed by a licensed electrician. – Tester101♦ Jul 2 '12 at 16:18

1 Answer

up vote 8 down vote

reasons going to the service entrance will be difficult:

  • you'll have to open the meter box, and most meter boxes are tamper sealed by the electric company so you will have to involve them.
  • the meter box lugs are probably not sized for multiple connections.
  • this creates a potentially dangerous wiring setup. someone may assume that the main panel in the house covers the entire house.

i would go with connecting a subpanel to your main panel. i assume that the existing circuits in the shop go to the main panel? take them out and use the space you just freed up to wire in your subpanel.

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